Santa Rosa Man Receives Sentence of 24 Years for Child Molestation

Martin Fonseca, 55 years old of Santa Rosa, was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Bradford DeMeo to serve 24 years in state prison after having been convicted by a jury in June of this year of eight counts of Lewd Acts Upon a Child, against three different children, all under the age of 14.

The crimes first came to light in 2013 when a 12 year old girl told a nurse practitioner about the abuse. However, the defendant left the state, and the investigation did not lead to enough evidence to file charges. Then in 2017, the girl and her sister disclosed the abuse to a school counselor. As a result, the investigation was revived, and additional victims came forward. Fonseca was able to victimize these girls at his home as they were his nieces and children of close family friends. 

District Attorney Jill Ravitch said “This defendant preyed on vulnerable children who trusted him. The bravery of these victims in coming forward, and having to testify in open court about the abuse they suffered was remarkable. This sentence reflects the justice they deserve and honors the tremendous strength they exhibited throughout this ordeal.” 

Although the defendant was sentenced to 24 years in prison, California law allows him to be considered for parole prior to the completion of that sentence. He will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. 

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Ashley Hendon, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Robyn Katz. Detective Tim Raymond of the Santa Rosa Police Department headed the investigation.